My name is Julia Beffon, though you probably know me as CrazyMyra (@NotOnTheMoors) on Twitter.
I am in need of urgent surgery on my neck because the vertebrae are crumbling and sharp edges are sawing into the sheath around the spinal cord. This is causing significant nerve damage and – unchecked – paralysis. I had an 8-hour op in October 2012 for the same issue, and a titanium joint was holding things together. I had a minor fall over Christmas that appears to have caused this contraption to fail last month.
I am a freelance journalist and my medical insurance will not cover a fraction of the costs. Last time I permanently lost 5% to 10% of sensation in my hands and feet within three weeks in spite of the operation. This time it’s slower, and I might hold up fine until I can save up the money. I don’t know, but I doubt it. The surgeon wants to operate as soon as possible.
I am appealing to all my Twitter friends and anybody else for help. The amount (R180k) is given in our currency, the Rand. It equals US$15k.
(No, it doesn’t hurt. “Suicide is painless” – and so is permanent nerve damage.)
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